Improving Academic Rigor

[LVT2DVM]

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Other than a Master degree program, is there any other way to improve an academic rigor score? I must work full-time, part-time is not an option. So even though Im pursuing a MS degree, its part-time. I went full time for my vet tech program, but most vet schools wont consider that in their course rigor scores. My BS degree was obtained part-time because of my work schedule. I discussed this in my explanation statement but that doesnt seem to make an impression. I can appreciate someone who works 40 hrs/week, has a family, schools part-time, and gets excellent grades as someone who could handle a heavy courseload successfully. Now, Im thinking of suspending pursuit of my Masters because if Im not going full time, it will be a waste of time. Anyone have any feedback/suggestions?

 

[sumstorm]

Could part of the issue be a question of can you handle the external components while attending vet school? (Not saying it is fair or legal or anything like that.)

I know I can quit work, leave my family behind, and dedicate myself completly to vet school (and mentioned that in my personal statement.) I know legally family status can't be considered for employment, but I don't know about professoinal education programs.

Not that I have any great advice to give you, except maybe doing a 1 year program full time, and either sacrificing work or sacrificing family. It isn't easy, I know when I was 5/6 my mother went away for 9 months for a certification program. She attending classes during the day and worked at night, and I believe I attended day care then stayed at a neighbors for babysitting till Dad came home. He then watched thier children some evenings or on weekends (so there wasn't an additional cost in childcare.

I empathize as I am not willing to uproot my current life for a possible chance of improving my application through a master's program.

Sorry I don't have better suggestions.

 

[eatpinkpenguins]

I would say do a post-mortem w the schools you are most interested in. Not only will you get good advice, but they will appreciate your effort. I think some schools will do it on the phone. I think it really says that you are going the extra mile, and they can probably help you out better than any of us here on SDN can. I applied only to penn last year even though I wasn't done w the pre-reqs and hadn't taken any upper levels, but got an interview, and even though I nearly wanted to cry when talking to the admissions people later, it was a really great decision. They are real people and understand finances etc too! 😳 A friend of mine also did a post mortem and they told her how important it was to do

 

[GellaBella]

are you planning on doing a course work based masters or a thesis based masters? I'm just wondering because I have met people who did a course based masters that also worked, at least at my school most masters classes are at night. is it different where you are?

 

[chris03333]

I must work full-time, part-time is not an option.

To be blunt this is you problem.

If you can work full time and go to schoool (upper level science type classes) full time then you will be able to show that you can handle the academics. Problem is that you may not be able to pull the grades you need in those type of courses going full time and working full time.

If there is a way you can drop to part time work (even if that means taking on student financial aide) it would be your best bet.😳

 

[meadow36]

I don't know if I agree -I had issues w/ "academic rigor" last year and I spent the year taking 20 credits of every upper level science course I could find in the catalog. I took classes in every semester (including both summer semesters). It is important to take these at a university not a community college. This year I got interviews at Ross and UF, and so far have been accepted to Ross (have you considered applying there?)

Anyway, I worked full time and took these classes part time. It worked for me to improve my application, at least with some schools.

By the way, I am very non-traditional; my undergrad degree is scotch-taped together w/ classes from 6 different schools (none of which have a great reputation); my pre-reqs are all 8 years or older (and have a crappy GPA); and my cumulative GPA is only so-so at 3.38. So - there is hope if you are willing to consider all the options and keep taking hard classes!